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First Family’s Vacation Plans Take Shape Around Familiar Chilmark Farm

President Barack Obama and the First Family will rent the bucolic Blue Heron Farm off South Road in Chilmark for their vacation during the last week of August.

The 28.5-acre property some five hundred yards down Cobb’s Hill Road, spans the Chilmark and West Tisbury town line and overlooks Town Cove, the westernmost finger of the Tisbury Great Pond.

While the mechanics of renting the property were still ongoing at press time, the Gazette has learned that a rental agreement for the farm will comprise three leases, one to be held by the Obamas, another by the Secret Service and a third by a White House entourage.

The amount of the rental has not been disclosed, but up-Island properties similar to Blue Heron Farm rent for between $35,000 to $50,000 per week.

It is understood that the Obamas have treated the transaction as a standard Vineyard summer rental, from payment terms right down to questions about bringing the family dog.

A partner in Wallace and Company Sotheby’s International Realty confirmed yesterday that the Edgartown real estate company has leased Blue Heron Farm for a block of 60 days in August and September from owners William and Mollie Van Devender, and that the company will sublease the property.

But Tom Wallace said he could not comment further.

“Wallace and Company holds a lease on Blue Heron and is in the process of subleasing it. That I can confirm. But I cannot comment on who the tenants are,” Mr. Wallace said.

But sources have confirmed that it is in fact President Obama and his family who plan to take Blue Heron Farm for the last week of August.

Unconfirmed reports have it that First Lady Michelle Obama and children Sasha and Malia may decide to come to the Vineyard a bit earlier, possibly as houseguests of Vineyard friends, before the president joins them for a quiet family vacation and rest. There are four dwellings on Blue Heron Farm property, including a white Victorian farm house, a reconstructed Pennsylvania hay barn and a Vermont shed, the latter two of which date back to the 1800s and were transported and reconstructed by West Tisbury builder Rick Anderson in the early 1990s.

Named by its previous owners, the late New York real estate developer M. Anthony Fisher and his wife Anne, the farm has undergone several renovations in the last decade. Situated overlooking a remote finger of the Great Pond, it is quiet and private, with an apple orchard, flower and vegetable gardens, stone walls, a swimming pool, golf practice tee and small basketball court for the basketball-loving president.

It is understood that Mr. Obama and his family will also be offered access to the private portion of Squibnocket Beach if they so choose.

Mr. Obama will not be the first president to set foot on the property. The Fishers played host to President Clinton and his wife Hillary in the summer of 1998. The couple held a dinner party for the Clintons and more than a dozen other guests in the barn, which measures 76 by 42 feet, with a 26-by-26-foot ell.

The Fishers were both killed in a plane crash in April of 2003.

In 2005 the property was bought by William and Mollie Van Devender for $20.35 million in what was, at the time, the second highest price paid for a single residential property in Vineyard history.

Mr. Van Devender is a timber businessman and was one of three original investors in the Vineyard Golf Club, a private course built in 2000 off the West Tisbury Road in Edgartown.

The choice of Blue Heron Farm concludes a thorough investigation of Island rental properties which began in the spring. Senior White House aides and members of the Secret Service have examined and rejected more than 20 properties.

There was an early concentration of research in Oak Bluffs where the Obamas have stayed on several occasions and have longtime friends with Island connections. But security concerns, including the potential for traffic bottlenecks that would be created by presidential travel in the bustling town, put the properties out of contention.

Blue Heron Farm is a private residential compound with easy access to the airport and to Oak Bluffs via Barnes Road.

Situated as it is off South Road, the Summer White House will be close to the West Tisbury town center, including Alley’s General Store, the town library and the farmers’ market at the Grange Hall.

In a sign of the rapid evolution of technology there has been no request for advance communications party access on the property.

During the first presidential visit of Mr. Clinton in 1993, to an Oyster Watcha Midlands home owned by former Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, members of the military communications division Signal Corps descended on the property for several days to wire the location for communication prior to the president’s arrival.

Comments (132)

michele, millbrook,ny

Well im torn,I believe everybody needs to get away, we make sure our family gets to the island once a year but we also go with the times.Meaning things are bad so you spend less you dont go so extavigant but i guess thats how you think when your paying for it all.I agree they need to get away but if your gonna pay for it pay for it with all your money,I cant and im sure every one else cant afford to send the obamas on vacation.My kids are taught the value of the dollar and cutting back, what is he teaching his kids.Look i dont care what color he is,this has to do with the color green folks.as for the other vacationing pres.look back they usually had places they owned before they were pres, and they went there to relax.Maybey im wrong but i think maybey they should have just put more thought into it.

I agree with most. Many in America are going hungry and they spend 35,000 on a vacation. Let's not forget the men in uniform in Iraq and Afganistan either. He has done nothing for the common man or woman except raise taxes (like on cigarettes) soon on energy and soda.This health bill will kill the baby boomers and infants who don't have much of a chance. I'm tired of this Obama God. Add insult to injury, it turns out he has a chip on his shoulder and represents the black americans and not the rest of us.

ARE YOU PURPOSELY TRYING TO COMPROMISE HIS SECURITY? First, I am appalled that this newspaper would convey so much information about the location of the property thereby creating security issues for his safety and that of his children. The location information is very specific. Second, your paper did not (emphasis added) expound on the exact location and cost associated with the Clinton's visit or any other political figure vacationing in the Vineyard, thank God he did not choose the Bluff surely that would have drawn criticism. Nevertheless, most Americans knew nothing about the exact location of Camp David for years, however, for some reason we all know. I hope he changes his location. Finally, need we forget, the President is a "celebrity" in his own right, in that he has secured financial deals e.g. book revenues, BEFORE becoming President. Furthermore, he is not (emphasis added) responsible for the state of this economy it was in this shape and worse before (emphasis added) his Presidency. Toward that end, if you are unemployed then obviously you do not have any "tax dollars" to pay for his vacation so get over it! Enjoy yourself Mr. President and First Lady, just choose another vacation spot! The Vineyard is not deserving of your time, money or resources.

The President is most likely paying the 35k. But the rest of us who still have jobs are paying the couple of million to bring the mother in-law "to watch the kids", white house staff, secret service, transport three marine ones in case he needs a helo and the caddy. I would like to see the white house issue a detailed accounting of this vacation to the American public.
I wonder if Mrs Obama will have special shopping hours in edgartown like she did in Paris?

Why is it the RICH MAN gets to dance while the POOR MAN pays the bill. It is so amazing that these so call caring democrats are always dining and living with the wealthy and yet the democrats are going to tax all their close friends more so they can pay for everyone's health care.......I THINK NOT AMERICA WATCH OUT THERE IS A SNAKE IN THE WOOD PILE........

Nowhere in this article does it state that the cost of this vacation is personally being paid for by the Obamas. THerefore I can only assume that we, the taxpayers, are footing the bill. WE NEED TO KNOW WHO is paying for their vacation along with the white house entourage and secret service. Only then can we truly voice our distaste for an expensive vacation. WE NEED TO BE TOLD, IT IS ONLY FAIR TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO KNOW HOW OUR MONEY IS BEING SPENT WHEN THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TO GO AROUND.

President Obama made over 4 million last year, most from his book sales and not his good government job as some of you seem to think, if he can afford a vacation like this, which he has to pay for,why do you care, the President has one of the most stressful jobs in the world, and it's only one week, take a look at your congress who are taking the entire month of August, and can't pass health reform, he would probably like to go else where, but can't due to security issues

The tranquillity and beauty of the finger coves is deeply restorative. And regular reunions with people important to our lives sustains us over time, over lifetimes of hard work and service. The President is allowing his children to come to an island that is familiar to them; as a parent, when I consider the upheaval in their lives, it seems like a nourishing choice. And if he and Michelle can, faced with his very unpredictable and challenging work, carve out an annual family ritual of renewal, spending time with families they've known before and will know after his service as president, I can only support it. It's too bad security concerns kept him from going back to Oak Bluffs. As for the rent, he and Michelle are the best judges of how they spend their money and whether a family vacation in a familiar place has special value. As a taxpayer, I am certainly willing to defer or forgo a measure of the some things I've hoped for if that is necessary in order to pay to keep the president of the Unites States safe. Did any of the people who write about the cost being borne by taxpayes live through the Kennedy assasinations? Do they remember THAT cost?

The Obama's may pay the lease on the place, but the taxpayers pay for the security and the room and board of his entourage and the room and board of the secret service - not to mention the transportation.
I don't begrudge ANY president their 'vacation' (they are still working) but, I do think the honest costs should be reported for all of them. Especially since we taxpayers already provide them the retreat of Camp David.

I am glad that the president shares the same priorities I do. Family, work, and community. In these times I think it is even more important for family to spend quality time together. From what I have read it looks like it may be a working vacation for the president. It seems to me that if the Obamas were checking on payment terms and rules about bringing a family pet they are doing the same thing my family does when planning a vacation. Is it affordable? Are pets allowed? My family and I hope you have a memorable time with your family on vacation. You have a difficult job ahead of you trying to fix the huge mess that was dumped on you when you became president.

George Bush took the entire month of August 2001 off, to be in Crawford, Texas. If he had taken only a week, like President Obama is doing, perhaps he could have kept the country safe and 3000 Americans would not have died on 9/11 which happened on his watch.

Unemployment at all time highs, threat of total ruination of our health care system thanks to Zero and his minions, multiple trips around the world already, including hauling along the various aunts and cousins, and now THIS?
What a insult to the American taxpayer. If they want to go to MV, fine, but they select one of the most expensive properties on the island? And WH staff and secret service will cost a fortune as well. Even if Zero pays for his 'share,' we, the taxpayers will be ponying up all the rest of it. What's wrong with Camp David, anyway? Or just sponging off rich friends as Clinton did?

Amazing run of misinformed comments regarding the Obamas' week on the Vineyard. First and foremost, all those who are worried that the American people are footing the bill for the vacation ought to know the President is paying the rent out of his own pocket. Secret Service and other official expenses would need to paid by taxpayer money regardless of where the Presidential entourage was located. As for Obama's trips abroad, at least he is making an attempt at top level diplomacy on the international scene, something for which his predecessor never had the will or talent to accomplish.

The Obama family is paying for this vacation- NOT the taxpayers. They should have the right to stay wherever they can afford without anyone complaining. It's a great boost for the local Vineyard economy to have them staying here. Can't we just appreciate the attention/additional money their visit can bring to our cash strapped Island?

First of all, who sat back for 8 years while the economy crashed around him?
"As of April 2004, President Bush had made 33 trips to Crawford during his presidency, bringing his total to more than 230 days at the ranch in just over three years. “Add his 78 trips to Camp David and five to his family’s compound at Kennebunkport, Maine, and Bush has spent all or part of 500 days – or about 40 percent of his presidency – at one of these his three retreats.” “Bush Retreats to a Favorite Getaway: Crawford ranch,” Houston Chronicle, April 11, 2004.
Oh....I remember now the "Decider" Maybe if he had read a few newspapers and did a little work now and then we wouldn't even be commenting on this.

The Obamas can spend their money any way they choose. It's all over the press that they are paying for their own vacation.
It's tiring that everything the Obamas do is scrutinized so thoroughly. Sometimes I think you people who make these horrifying, hateful comments never realized we had presidents before... presidents who had families... took vacations... took their families on vacations... went abroad to meet with other heads of state... took their families with them when they met with other head's of state.
Times are tough, yes. They've been tough before. Did you scrutinize George Senior's every move during the recession in the early 90s?
Do you think your job is as challenging as that of the president of the USA? I seriously doubt it.
Being president is a job I do not envy. I, for one, am thrilled our president will take a vacation... take some time for himself with his family. I am sure he will come back to his job (his job which he started earlier than any other president in history) rejuvenated and continue to give it 110%.
I am also happy that when President Obama visits with foreign dignitaries he takes his family with him whenever he is able.
I am thrilled, thrilled, thrilled that we have an intellectually curious family in the White House... they seem to love the world almost as much as the world loves them!! The Obama girls are like little ambassadors and Mrs. Obama is a wonderful first lady.
Sadly (through no fault of their own), the Obamas have a lot of work to do to restore the rest of the world's faith in the USA. Much of that is done through "soft power" -- they are doing an excellent job of improving our relations with the world in this way.
President Obama and his family make me proud to be an American again. Give this family a chance. Give President Obama a chance. And, if your life isn't going well right now, I am sorry to hear that, but maybe you could put more energy into being positive and stop deriding out president... I hope things turn around for you.
I am not a blind supporter of President Obama; I do not agree with everything his does, but, ultimately I think he is a good man who has been dealt an almost impossible hand. He's doing his best to save our country.
I think it's time to ask ourselves what we can do to help Obama... what can are you doing to help save our country?
My best,
Bob

It amazes me the ignorance of the majority of those posting comments here. It has been written several times that the Obama's would be paying for their own vacation rental and not accepting any offers from anyone offering their home. It is becoming clearer to me now how Bush was elected to two terms with people like this voting.

My 401(k) has lost $35,000 in value within the past year. True, it started to decline during the Bush years, so Obama isn't entirely to blame. Still, I wish he could have chosen a vacation retreat that cost less than $35,000. Even if he is paying his own rent, his entourage and the Secret Service will be costing the taxpayers even more. He should vacation at Camp David.

They are paying for it themselves! The Obama's are definitely turning this country around and they are doing it with class. If you are unable to see that then open your ears & your mind and close your eyes; only then will you be able to see how much President Obama has already achived.

Lighten-up people. I am sure the bill is being paid by the Obamas, not the tax payer. The entourage and Secret Service are budget and are being paid regardless of where they go, so no real issue there. If you had the money, you would do the same thing. I can't afford frills, this does not make me hate the well off! They need a break, we need a break, so take a break and enjoy life.

I feel that the nation must understand one thing. Mr. Obama had nothing but his wifes salary of $575,000 3 years ago. He inherited every tax decrease you all wanted from Reagon, Bush Sr. Clinton, and the deregulation expert George Bush Jr. Clinton tanked this nation on NAFTA. Now Mr. Obama's 100 day courtship is really over. Let him have his week in the Vinyard with his family. A few more million here and there won't make a darn. It was the last FOUR (4) Presidents who tanked this nation. This guy just inherited all the problems caused by the 2 Bushes and a Clinton. Grow Up! Sincerely bigmikecraft

From someone who is on the right, and voted for McCain, I am appalled at all the negative comments about the Obama Vineyard vacation. This will be a great boost for the Vineyard economy, and our President has been working his tail off-cut him, and his family some slack, and let him enjoy his vacation. By the way, his vacation is on his dime, and his security is on our dime-sounds fair to me! God Bless America.

Helllooooooo???!!!!! The Obamas are NOT personally responsible for all of the ills in this country, nor the society in which we live. Many of the comments above aim to condemn and criticize the first family for exercising their personal right to vacation. Aside from achieving the position of US President (no easy feat), the Obamas have paid their dues (so to speak) and have worked hard to excel and achieve their scholastic, professional, and financial status. So, where they vacation as a family and how much they allocate for their personal expenses is not so much for our discussion. Heck, I would venture to say that if you had it like that, you’d probably engage at that level. Bottom line folks --- the war in Iraq, the economic state of affairs, the fact that you may (unfortunately) be without a job has nothing to do with how Mr. & Mrs. Obama chose to spend their personally earned money. No one gave it to them, they earned it. Give us a break --- get over it already and stop the bashing!!!

People need to realize this is the first family, we are the richest country in the world! A 35 thousand dollar vacation is nothing, absolutely nothing, compared with what's being spent on the military, agricultural subsidies, bank blah blah. Should we make the first family eat McDonald's like the working class? He's the freakin' President!!! He has the hardest job in the world, let him have a nice vacation.

There will be a related flood of tourist dollars that may carry many working Island families through next February and March. I'm glad he chose to support the Vineyard economy. The islandis one of the toughest places in the country to work for a living and every circulating dollar helps the local wheels keep spinning. August is insane anyway and the number of people you could "rip" for even coming always grows. Live and let live. All the "hate" is very unseemly and obviously political. Remember when Bush said "We won and we're going to act like it."? At least the man is gracious and fixing the mess we all inherited. Obamafy my brother!

The President travels with hundreds of people including dozens of security agents so he can't rent the cute little cottage down the street that costs $350 a week. For security reasons, he needs a large, totally safe property which costs a lot of money. The Secret Service would automatically reject the smaller, cheaper properties so many posters here seem to want. Also, I remember what Reagan said: "Presidents don't get vacations, just a change of scenery. The job is always there". Unlike you and me, Obama won't spend the entire vacation sleeping on a hammock while sipping Iced Tea. He'll need to be briefed every day about domestic and international situations and make executive decisions just as if he were back in Washington.

I don't think this is such a good idea. But go for it, BO and family. Have a great time because in four years, you will not have the opportunity to do this on the American taxpayer dime if Americans get smart and don't re-elect you.

Get real Grace! You don't really, really think that Obama's paying for this vacation out of his own pocket do you? If so, go back and get re-educated. If he was paying for it, who would care where they went? I guess you think everything is rosey in this country, that California is doing wonderfully, that we don't have unemployment, families that are standing in food stamp lines like never before...wake up Grace...wake up America!!!

With lifetime-high deficits, increasing jobless rates and a scattered foreign policy our country is in a shambles. Yet this President takes a vacation - and on our taxpayer dime ? Time to vote ALL incumbents out as soon as possible. Our money is being wasted at evey turn with this White House.

Its a little annoying to read something like this because of the economy because it doesn't say who is paying for this vacation. However on the other hand he's the president I guess he and his family deserve a nice vacation!

For those commenting on past first family vacations, please note.....George Bush didn't preach to the country and thumb his nose condescendlingly at the rich while pretending to be "one of us". He withheld comment. President Obama continues to tell us how we should live our lives, along with how we should spend our money, etc. I do believe that the President should be allowed to take a vacation. And I also believe that the American people should be allowed to do the same.

Bunch of whining Republicans!!! You had your shot and now lets give this guy a few days to fix Idiot Bush's derailment of our country. WHAAAAA!! It is freaking hilarious what babies you are when you don't get your way

I am sure the Obamas are paying for their own vacation as they even did to redecorate the White House. Which by the way other Presidents have had the tax payers pay for it.
If the Obamas want to go to the Vineyard for their Summer Vacation why shouldn't they. If they were anywhere in the middle of town everything would be a mess not to mention how all the hard working people would feel who also paid for their vacations.
When you become president you can be sure to change things but until then, let the man and his family enjoy their lives too. Or at least as much as people will allow. I hope you have a great time Mr. President and Family!

Since 9/11 the President has a 30 mile flight restriction centered where ever he is. Martha's Vineyard isn't that big. That will mean that people who rely on General Aviation (Angel Flight) will not be able to get to their treatment in Hyannis and Boston. Ah, but why should the President concern himself with people's healthcare?

Must be nice - Obama has yet to tell America where all his pre-election contributions came from!! Not to mention who is paying for their galavanting about the World while many are unemployed and hurting in America! Shame on Obama's!

Will all the haters please stop and count how many days the Obamas have "vacationed" as opposed to former President Bush?
If I recall correctly Bush set a record for most days on vacation by any president in U.S. history (in his first year). He even took the ENTIRE month of August off.
So please stop the hate and lets give Obama the time to fix the 8 year mess he was handed- dont bad mouth him for being a family man and taking some time with his family!

although I agree you should be able to take a vaction and maybe Obama is paying for it himself,it is still alot of money that tons of americans can only dream of right now. How is it fair for him to say he understands our hardships but takes a vaction, that some could never dream of even taking, when he has taking countless ones. Yes Bush took vactions as well but if you notice they were places he owned before he got in office or places like Camp David that is his. Why is it fair to get upset over Bush's vactions but it is perfectly fine for Obama to vaction. Honestly this is no way fair to get upset over one president for something he does and not get upset when other does the same thing. I dont think Bush should have taken all his vactions and i dont think Obama should be taking all his.